- Mini dental implants are smaller than conventional implants and consist of only two parts. The surgery for mini implants usually takes only one day, and the price is relatively low.
- Mini dental implants do not require complicated surgery, are quick and easy to restore, and carry a lower risk of nerve injury. No bone augmentation is required for these implants.
- Some of the cases where this procedure is not a good choice are oral diseases, diabetes, smoking, and bruxism.
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Are you considering mini dental implants? Here's everything you need to know.
Mini dental implants vs. traditional implants
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You may be on the fence about whether to get traditional or mini dental implants. It is primarily up to your dentist to decide which is best for you. On the other hand, it is good to come to an initial consultation well-informed about the key differences.
Harry Lee, DMD, explains: "The question of mini dental implants often comes up in my practice, usually from patients looking for a faster, less expensive solution. I tell them to think of the difference between a traditional implant and a mini implant as the difference between a load-bearing foundation pillar and a tent stake."
"A traditional implant is the pillar: it is wide, requires a deep, solid foundation (bone grafting), and is designed to withstand the full, heavy force of chewing for decades. A mini implant, or tent stake, is narrow and works well for temporary fixes or, most commonly, for anchoring a lower denture," he continues.
Size of the implant
Mini dental implants are smaller than traditional dental implants. First of all, they are made of just two parts: a post and the crown. Traditional implants consist of a screw, an abutment connection, and a prosthetic crown. That is why mini dental implant pictures are easier on the eyes than with regular rods.
In terms of the actual size, mini dental implants are 1.8 mm to 3.3 mm in diameter. Regular ones are 3.4 mm to 7 mm in width. Lengths are comparable.
Procedure
Mini dental implants can usually be installed in just one day under local anesthesia. The surgery takes about 2 hours. There are no sutures to be removed later.
Traditional dental implants often require bone grafting or sinus lifting. These preliminary procedures require months of healing.
After that, implants are surgically placed. About 2 weeks later, an abutment can be added. Then it is time for osseointegration, which, again, can take months. You may be able to wear temporary replacements at this time. The entire process can take up to 2 years.
Recovery process
Fake teeth are most often mounted on mini implants straight away. Patients can leave the office with a new smile that they can start using right away. Any soreness usually disappears within 48 hours. You are likely to be able to eat that night.
Sticking to soft foods for a few days after surgery is always a good idea. When getting traditional implants, it is the only way.
Dental implant recovery can be a complicated process when regular implants are inserted. Some patients quote feeling more discomfort during this time than at the time of the surgery. Recovery can take weeks if not months. You are likely to feel slight pain for up to 10 days.
Nonetheless, patients should do their best to conduct proper aftercare. This helps alleviate soreness and ensure longevity of both mini dental implants and the traditional ones. Dental implant failure is almost always caused by patient noncompliance.
A dental error may happen. Make sure to go with a provider with extensive experience in this type of restoration.
Durability and longevity
Both traditional and mini implants are composed of titanium alloy. This material is one of the strongest ones used in medicine. It is also biocompatible, meaning bone fuses directly with it.
Studies show that implant length is more important than diameter for stability. This is why this is comparable in both types. Some dentists still argue that minis cannot withstand as much chewing force.
Traditional implants have been studied in-depth, as they have been in use for more than 50 years. They are considered a long-term solution to missing teeth. Mini dental implants have not been on the market for as long and have thus not been as thoroughly researched.
They are still receiving significant recognition for the success dentists have achieved with them so far.
Mini dental implants cost
Mini dental implants near you may cost between $500 and $1,500. Rural areas tend to have more favorable prices than large cities. Other than the location, the discrepancy can be explained by the following factors:
the complexity and duration of the procedures,
affordability of materials, and
the type of anesthesia needed.
Note that the values mentioned above do not include the costs of additional procedures. Nevertheless, prices are still lower than those for regular-sized implants. If you are looking for affordable dental implants, this type may be a good option.
Pros and cons of mini dental implants
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Mini dental implants may be the only solution for some patients. That does not mean they are a last resort, as they still have many benefits over the traditional process. Mini dental implants reviews are commonly very positive.
First of all, there is no complicated surgery involved. Patients may walk out with not only a single implant, but a fully restored arch. Secondly, the recovery period is mild and short. Healing happens faster and more efficiently. There is no need for bone grafting or sinus lifting either.
Moreover, there is less risk of complications, such as nerve damage.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting the disadvantages of mini dental implants. They cannot be used in areas with little vertical bone. Mini dental implant screws are pretty long to ensure stability. This means they need adequate volume.
Furthermore, more implants may be required than with the traditional process, especially when they support bridges or dentures. If mini dental implants get damaged, the whole thing has to be removed. Traditional implants include three components, which are easier and cheaper to replace if anything goes wrong.
Last but not least, there is little data on the durability and longevity of mini dental implants in dentistry. This solution is an innovation, which means there is a lack of longitudinal studies and observation.
No complicated surgery
Quick and easy recovery
No bone augmentation procedures are needed
Smaller risk of nerve damage
Cannot be implanted if there is little vertical bone
At least 4 implants required to support a bridge or denture
Reimplantation is necessary if there is any damage
Little research on long-term durability
Mini dental implants candidate
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Standard dental implants have many requirements, and you may have been told before that you do not qualify. The good news is that you may still be a candidate for mini dental implants.
Mini dental implants are recommended for patients who:
have small teeth,
want restoration in narrow spaces,
have lost much bone,
need replacement of front teeth, and
wants a full smile quickly.
Mini dental implants are not advised for:
those with mouth diseases such as periodontitis,
those who need molars replaced,
those who grind their teeth, or
Those have a small amount of vertical jawbone.
This option might not be an excellent fit for upper tooth replacements; however, it can work in certain situations. It is the dentist's discretion to determine whether you are a good candidate. A mini implant denture may be more appropriate than a traditional one in many circumstances.
FAQ
Are mini dental implants as good as regular implants?
In some cases, mini dental implants can be a better fit than regular dental implants. It all depends on the patients, how much bone they have available, and whether they are a candidate for bone augmentation.
Consult with a specialist who regularly performs both procedures. They will know best what is right in your case.
How long do mini dental implants last?
There is a lack of long-term observational studies on mini dental implants since they are a new technology. Nonetheless, they are designed to be a permanent restoration. Even though they have not been available for long, much success has been recorded.
Why do mini implants fail?
Mini implants can fail for patient-related reasons, just as with the traditional process. These include poor hygiene, diabetes, or smoking. Other reasons include incorrect placement, leading to excessive pressure on the rod. Minis are also sometimes unsuccessful in patients with a large volume of gum tissue.
The best way to avoid failure is to go with an experienced specialist and conduct excellent aftercare.
How much bone is needed for mini implants?
Minis can be installed when there is less than 1 mm of available bone around the implant area. Commonly, upper arches have less, which means you might need augmentation procedures, although this is rare in the case of mini dental implants.
Can mini dental implants be used for upper dentures?
Mini implants can sometimes be mounted on the top arch. It depends on the quality and amount of bone you have available. Each case is different, so your dentist is the best person to ask for an accurate opinion.
Mini dental implants work better on the bottom arch. This is because there is more jawbone available to stabilize the implant.
References
- Dental Mini-Implants
- Osseointegration of standard and mini dental implants: a histomorphometric comparison
- The Effect of Implant Length and Diameter on the Primary Stability in Different Bone Types
- Titanium Alloys for Dental Implants: A Review
- A Brief Historical Perspective on Dental Implants, Their Surface Coatings and Treatments
- Clinical outcomes and bone-level alterations around one-piece mini dental implants retaining mandibular overdentures: 5-year follow-up of a prospective cohort study
- The Mini Dental Implant in Fixed and Removable Prosthetics: A Review
- Mini-dental implants-for rehabilitation of narrow single tooth edentulous space: A clinical study of seven cases
Harry Lee, DMD
By placing four to six minis, we can stabilize a wobbly denture, turning it from a messy floater into a firmly snapped-in appliance. This is where minis truly shine and are a safe investment.